Uecker comes through surgery, Brewers thrilled

Posted on: April 30, 2010 11:49 pm

SAN DIEGO -- Best news of the day for the Brewers on Friday came from back home in Milwaukee, where Hall of Fame radio broadcaster and beloved local icon Bob Uecker came through a six-hour heart surgery that was described by surgeon Alfred C. Nicolosi as having gone "smoothly."

Uecker, who had his aortic valve, aortic root and part of his ascending aorta replaced, is expected to remain hospitalized for approximately five to seven days, and a full recovery is expected in 10 to 12 weeks.

The Brewers were very happy when the news reached them in their clubhouse here before Friday night's game with the Padres.

"He's part of us, really," said infielder Craig Counsell, 39, a Milwaukee native whose father worked for the Brewers and who is in his fifth season with Milwaukee and 13th in the majors. "He's one of the guys. When he's not here, it's like a teammate is gone.

"We're hoping for the best and we can't wait to get him back."

Uecker, 75, is in his 40th season at the mike for his hometown team and in his 55th season of professional baseball overall.

"He gets around so good," Counsell said. "He doesn't really show any signs of getting older, ever. He just doesn't. He works out every day, swims."

The Brewers are not sure when Uecker will re-join them, but they're very happy to know that he will.

"On behalf of the entire Brewers' organization, we are relieved to know that Bob's surgery went as planned, and we look forward to his complete and speedy recovery," Brewers owner Mark Attanasio said in a statement. "I know Bob appreciates just how eager Brewers fans are to hear his wit, passion and knowledge of baseball as well as all things Milwaukee -- since listening to him is such a big part of our summers. Get well, Bob."

Likes: This bit from Craig Ferguson on the Late, Late Show last week: "Airports from London to Warsaw are on their sixth day of shutdown. The airports are closed because a volcano is erupting. Smoke and ash are spreading over Europe. The smoke cloud is big and thick. Meteorologists originally thought it was coming from Willie Nelson’s tour bus." ... Friday afternoons. ... The Hold Steady on David Letterman on Friday night.

Dislikes: Nothing personal, because he's a solid guy, but man is it tough to watch Milwaukee's Doug Davis pitch. Talk about taking forever to throw the ball. And 100 pitches later, you're still in the fifth inning.

Rock 'N' Roll Lyric of the Day:

"There are people in your life who've come and gone"They let you down, you know they hurt your pride"You better put it all behind you baby; cause' life goes on"If you keep carryin' that anger, it'll eat you up inside, baby"